Big data and SEO (search engine optimization) is a big part of business and online marketing. Learn how to take your SEO and big data to a new level.

With planning and the right moves, business leaders can improve their operations and take big data and search engine optimization (SEO) initiatives to the next level. The two technologies have changed a lot in the last two years. Relatively recent innovations have created new ways for enterprises to find, understand and engage with their audiences with the help of big data and SEO. As new marketing channels like social media gain traction, a wealth of data is available to help marketers understand consumers in new and exciting ways. Today, it’s essential that business leaders leverage analytics to develop better plans. As a result, marketing professionals now work closely with engineers and information technology (IT) specialists who use big data technology to maximize online marketing efforts. Big data systems not only provide invaluable insights into consumer engagement and interactions, but also allow marketers to drill down to discover in-depth details about consumers. This list of SEO audit tools is a worthwhile read to help you get started. Read on to learn 4 ways to take your big data SEO initiative to the next level.

Method 1: Implement a Solid SEO Plan

In the modern marketplace, all enterprises need qualified traffic that eventually leads to conversions. As a result, finding out why website visitors do or do not convert is a mission critical undertaking. Historically, marketers have relied on inaccurate data to guide their SEO decisions. Now, however, big data systems give marketers the insights that they need to make decisions that increase conversions. Furthermore, big data technology allows marketers to view their audience on a granular as well as an overall level. Big data technology is part of well-rounded strategies for improving SEO measures. Together, the two innovations help leaders devise effective marketing plans, attract new business and reach the right audiences. Knowing about business analytics and being able to intelligently use data to create strategies and get results is a talent not everyone has. Many SEO and marketing experts are needing to improve their analytical skills with the rise of big data. With implementing a solid SEO plan, business leaders can improve their operations and marketing strategies.

Method 2: Craft a Well-Rounded Marketing Strategy

It’s important to remember not to rely on vanity metrics such as page views, likes and session analyses to evaluate content. The days of using vanity metrics to understand consumers is an outdated practice that serves as little more than a temporary ego boost. Over time and with enough information, marketers can forecast trends as well as the needs and desires of their consumers. Rather than relying on historical data, big data combined with SEO analytics gives marketers the capability to adjust marketing strategies ahead of consumer demand. The technologies are reshaping the future of SEO marketing, helping enterprises develop better content and aiding firms in positioning themselves as relevant forces in the marketplace.

Method 3: Hire People With Positive SEO Mindsets

To help promote a positive mindset, enterprise leaders must ensure racial and gender balance on teams so that marketing initiatives can benefit from the enhanced value of differing perspectives. In addition to technical skills, today’s big data and SEO specialists must understand how to work well with others, think critically and creatively and approach analyses with an open mind. SEO professionals make recommendations about page speed, graphics rendering and loading, server redirects and other aspects of the browsing experience. There are many SEO specialists who perform a fine job with limited knowledge. However, the specialists could do an even better job with advanced programming skills. The conversation between SEO specialists and website developers would be more effective if content developers offered more technical insights, rather than making demands for an improved user experience from a limited perspective. By understanding the technical side of webpage development, SEO experts can greatly streamline the process of optimizing digital assets.

Method 4: Be Willing to Try New Things

SEO marketing takes drive, ambition, and flexibility. Also, ideas and concepts don’t disappear when SEO experts leave work for the day. For many marketing professionals, the job is always on their mind. Exceptional SEO skills require passion and the desire to learn continually. Whether it’s programming code or becoming familiar with a new resource, there’s always something new to learn. Extraordinary SEO experts who make this extra effort are at the top of employers’ hiring lists. Things are constantly changing in the SEO field, and sometimes specialists must make clients understand that what worked in the past doesn’t work now. Ultimately, SEO is about putting clients first, even if — sometimes — this means missing out on earning a profit.

Final Thoughts

SEO specialists who don’t utilize big data analyses are missing out on important insights. Additionally, just having the information isn’t enough. Today’s SEO specialists must understand how to manipulate data in order to extrapolate the needed insights. The SEO industry changes often and quickly. Sometimes, SEO specialists must take a moment to think about their overall objectives. As challenging as it is to work in this field, it can be full of productive and enjoyable experiences.

(Image Credit - Shutterstock Licensed Photo - By Sammby)

Ryan Ayers

Ryan Ayers has consulted a number of Fortune 500 companies within multiple industries including information technology and big data. After earning his MBA in 2010, Ayers also began working with start-up companies and aspiring entrepreneurs, with a keen focus on data collection and analysis.